Finding a tutor – 7 points to help you find the perfect tutor for your child
If you are considering finding a tutor, this post will help you focus your search and identify the factors that are important to you.
Private tutoring is a quickly growing industry. A quick google search of ‘private tutor’ returns thousands of tutors who are potentially suitable. But not all tutors have the right qualities, skill sets, knowledge, experience and approach for your child’s unique learning needs and goals.
Before you even begin your search to find a tutor it’s really helpful to get clear on exactly what you want to look for.
This post explains a range of things to consider so that you can fine-tune your search and find the best tutor for your child.
In this post we’ll consider: goals, budget, learning styles and preferences, qualifications and experience, neurodiversity needs, family schedule and commitments and finally, your expectations.
- Plus a FREE printable for you to download and fill in to clarify the points that are important to you in your search for a tutor
Finding a tutor – 7 points to consider to help you find the perfect tutor for your child
01 – What are your goals?
Be as specific as possible. For example, if you are looking for ‘help with maths’, try and think if there are particular areas of difficulty to focus on first. Your money will be better spent if learning goals are focused. These can always be adjusted as progress is made on initial goals.
02 – What is your budget?
The cost of tuition varies widely. A tutor charging a low rate doesn’t necessarily mean that you are getting good value for money. An expensive tutor doesn’t guarantee results.
03 – How does your child learn?
Children have different learning styles and preferences. Finding a tutor whose approach is compatible with the way that your child learns best is essential.
In my experience as a tutor, children make the best progress with both learning and confidence as a learner when the relationship between them and their tutor is genuine, comfortable and trusting.
A few things about how your child learns for you to consider:
- What kind of personality do they respond to?
- Gentle, patient, nurturing approach or more formal and school-like?
- Engaging, multisensory learning activities or more traditional teacher-led, authoritative lecture style?
- Friendly, relaxed and relatable or a stricter, more disciplined approach?
- Flexible and adaptable teaching or rigid lessons that stick to a plan?
- Does your child learn better one-to-one or would paired or group tuition suit them better?
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04 – Are qualifications important to you?
Many tutors, like myself, are fully qualified professional teachers with plenty of experience in the classroom. Generally speaking, tutors who are teachers or former-teachers are likely to have a wealth of resources, knowledge and skills that make them effective tutors.
Currently, tutors don’t actually have to have any specific qualifications. There are many unqualified tutors out there who have the necessary skills and knowledge to be great teachers. However, be aware that people can set themselves up as tutors without relevant experience.
05 – Does your child have special educational needs?
The latest data from The Office for National Statistics reports that “Just under 1.5 million pupils in England have special educational needs.” This figure represents children in schools who have been assessed and have an education, health and care (EHC) plan as well as those who receive extra support with their learning.
Neurodiverse learners have needs on a very wide spectrum. When you are looking for a tutor, and depending on the nature of your child’s needs, you should factor in a tutor’s experience or qualifications. Tutors who are qualified teachers often have a good range of skills for supporting diverse needs, but you might want to also consider a specialist tutor.
06 – How busy is your family’s schedule?
Family calendars can get packed very easily! Here are a few things to consider:
- Are you able to fit a regular weekly session in with your work commitments and responsibilities?
- Is your child’s week packed with after-school activities?
- Would it be practical for you to drive to a tutor’s location?
- If you want a tutor to come to your home, is there a suitable, quiet space where lessons can happen undisturbed?
- Would online tutoring fit into your schedule more easily?
Another point to consider is whether you have the time to provide additional support for learning between lessons? This is particularly important if you are finding a tutor to support exam preparation.
07 – Are your expectations realistic?
Whilst it can be very hard to parents to have an objective understanding of their child’s ability, it’s so important not to have unrealistic expectations. Pushing children to meet unobtainable goals can cause long-term mental and emotional damage.
Make sure that you aren’t expecting miracles from a tutor and be realistic about goals. At the end of the day, tutors and parents can support children tirelessly, but ultimately learning is up to the child.
What is important to you?
We’ve looked at many of the points that I recommend you consider before you look for a tutor. Hopefully, it’s helped you to think about the qualities and skills that you’d like your child’s tutor to have.
I’ve designed a ‘worksheet’ for you to jot down what’s relevant to your search that you can use in conjunction with this post to make your search easier.
You can download it for free below.
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Are you looking for an experienced, qualified teacher with an engaging, nurturing and patient approach to help your child meet their goals? Get in touch to book a free and friendly consultation to discuss their needs here!
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